Upcoming peace negotiations between AFC/M23 and the Congolese government are set to shift from Doha to Switzerland, as part of efforts to revive dialogue amid ongoing fighting in North Kivu.
Against this backdrop, AFC/M23 has confirmed the withdrawal of its forces from parts of Lubero territory, describing the move as part of its commitments under the ongoing peace process.
In a public address to reassure the residents, Goma Mayor Julien Katembo Ndalieni said the withdrawal should not be interpreted as a retreat but as a strategic step in line with agreed terms aimed at creating conditions for dialogue.
“Don’t worry, we will never withdraw from Goma. The redeployments observed in the Lubero territory are part of the commitments made within the framework of the ongoing peace process,” he said.
According to Katembo, both sides had agreed to reposition their forces to reduce tensions on the ground. “Félix Tshisekedi’s forces will withdraw 30 kilometers, and we will do the same to give negotiations a chance. That’s what we, within AFC/M23, are doing,” he stated.
He emphasized that before talks resume, both parties must fulfill agreed conditions. “Before sitting down at the negotiating table, each party must respect the agreed conditions,” he said, noting that AFC/M23 forces have already moved to new positions following their 30-kilometer withdrawal.
However, Katembo expressed skepticism about the Congolese government’s commitment to the process. He alleged that allied militia groups had moved into vacated areas. “We know that Félix Tshisekedi will not honor his commitments, because the Wazalendo groups have already moved into the areas from which we withdrew and have begun killing civilians there,” he claimed.
Despite these concerns, he emphasized that the movement remains open to either outcome. “We are ready to follow the path he chooses: if he wants peace, we’re all in; if he wants war, we’ll take it too,” he said.
The withdrawal comes amid continued tensions in North Kivu, where fighting between AFC/M23 and Congolese government forces has persisted despite diplomatic efforts, making the planned shift in negotiations a critical test for the fragile peace process.